Sheffield United: Blades star blasts ‘disrespect’

Dean Hammond says League One is full of talented teams �2015 Sport Image all rights reserved

James Shield

Published:06:00Friday 01 January 2016

Share this article

Dean Hammond has criticised suggestions that League One lacks quality this term.

The Sheffield United midfielder, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game against Peterborough, branded the claims as disrespectful and warned they risk undermining the South Yorkshire club’s hopes of returning to the Championship next summer.

“There are some good teams in this league,” Hammond said. “Peterborough have got a young and enthusiastic team. Like us, they’ve shown they can score goals. You must respect the opposition, always. And we are doing that now.”

Some commentators, predominately those on social media, frequently describe the competition as a “pub league” following the departure of clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bristol City in recent seasons. Hammond, on loan from Leicester City, is adamant United’s decision to tweak their tactics after experiencing a disappointing Autumn period not only reflects the division’s depth of talent but the ability within Nigel Adkins’ squad too. They enter the meeting with Peterborough searching for a fifth consecutive win.

“We’ve shown we can set up in different ways and adapt,” he said. “You have to be able to do that. You have to have a Plan A, a Plan B and even a Plan C. There are partnerships developing across the pitch and that’s important. The wins away from home haven’t always been pretty but we’ve shown we can switch and change according to what the situation demands.”